Red Carpet Ready: Country Music Awards

This weekend I found myself wondering, what does one wear to a red carpet event in Nashville?  Why?  Because this week I'll be attending the Country Music Awards on behalf of Colgate Optic White!  Yes, not just any red carpet event, but the CMA's so if you're a fan of country music (hello, Blake Shelton and Carrie Underwood), make sure you follow along my live tweet from the show and check out my Instagram for behind the scenes pics.  So what am I doing to prep?  These five simple things that you can try in order to look fab for any occasion.

1. Use Self Tanner - I'm using a trifecta of self tanners to make sure I have a red carpet glow that can compete with J. Lo - not so much to look dark (it is November), but think more of a healthy glow.  A self tan not only helps to bring more life to your look, but also makes your legs and arms look leaner and more toned.  Guaranteed Carrie Underwood will be glowing as well.

2. Boost Your Smile - Naturally, the Colgate team sent me everything I need to make sure my smile is in check for the big event.  Daily, I've been brushing with their Optic White PLATINUM Whiten & Protect Toothpaste and then using the Optic White WhiteSeal Mouthwash.  Ever since I've had Invisalign and achieved a perfect smile, I've been anal about taking care of my teeth.  Before big events, definitely boost the whitening factor.

3. Apply a Face Mask - I like to apply a moisturizing mask after I travel to help plump up my skin, but also before any big event to prep it before I put makeup on.  Try applying a thick layer of whole milk yogurt to your face and let it sit for 20 minutes.  It acts like an anti-aging and moisturizing treatment, because yogurt contains lactic acid, which helps to slough off dead skin cells and shrink the appearance of large pores.

4. Add Lashes - Adding a few individual false lashes to the outer corners of my eyes is my #1 secret for going from everyday to glam.  Don't be afraid of the application.  It's easier than you think and you only need three or four on each eye to make a big difference.

4. Find a Dress - I used Rent the Runway to find a dress that's fun, yet appropriate for the red carpet event.  The idea of being able to rent and return a dress is genius to me, because after being photographed in a dress, I don't normally like wearing it again to another big event.

 *This post is sponsored by Colgate, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Classic Red Carpet Beauty Trends: Red Lips and Smoky Eyes

Obviously you can tell that I'm just a little excited about the Oscars tomorrow and am getting the most out of awards season.  After chatting with some of my beauty blogger friends about predictions for the red carpet, I thought it was only appropriate to discuss two of the hottest makeup trends that are appropriate for any evening event: red lips and smoky eyes.

Rihanna, Emily Blunt and Rita Ora were all spotted rocking a vivid red lip this season.  A swipe of red lipstick adds instant elegance to any look on or off the red carpet.  To get the look make sure you prep your lips by exfoliating them and dabbing on a bit of lip balm to the center.  Take your favorite red, (blue based for cool skin tones and orange based for warm), and apply it by pressing it into your lips with your fingers for a natural, not matronly effect. Add a layer of powder and reapply so no touch-ups are needed.  For extra staying power try using Touch In Sol I'll Get You Lip Stain #1 in Real Red.

Katharine McPhee, Kerry Washington and Marion Cotillard are just three of the many celebs who donned a sultry smoky eye so far this awards season.  It's no secret that the key to creating the look without fail is all in blending the colors so there's no harsh lines.  One thing that I always admire is the way eyeliner is used on top to fill in the lash line and then smudged into the shadow and on the bottom to define the eye shape.  Make sure your smokey eye isn't just about shadow and try using a small liner with a precise tip that allows time for smudging before it sets like Touch In Sol Dramatic Pencil Eyeliner in #1 Glam Black.

*This post is sponsored by Touch In Sol, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

VOTE for My Red Carpet Beauty Look and YOU Can Attend the People's Choice Awards!

Hi ladies!  I'm excited to announce that I've partnered with CVS Beauty and created a video about what my red carpet beauty look would be if I were to attend the 2012 People's Choice Awards.  The video lives on the People's Choice website and I need your votes!  If I win, I get to attend the event in January and bring a dedicated BeautySweetSpot reader with me! I chose to center my red carpet look around confidence, because no matter what I'll end up wearing, I know there are certain elements of my beauty routine that won't change.  When I get ready for big events I always play up my best asset (eyes), make sure my hair is super shiny and teeth are pearlywhite and smile ready.  Check out my video to see how I achieve the results.

Voting began and runs through Tuesday, December 6th.  Please tell your friends!  I'd love to bring one of you on the red carpet with me!